the watch December 2017
the watch VOL. 35 NO. 4 - December 2017 watchmagazine.ca editors@watchmagazine.ca online@watchmagazine.ca publisher@watchmagazine.ca TWITTER @kingswatch INSTAGRAM @watchmagz
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Kristen Thompson Nick Frew
ONLINE EDITOR Hannah Daley
CONTRIBUTORS
Evangeline Freedman Nick Frew Danielle McCreadie Michelle Cuthbert Maya Watson Kristen Thompson Heather Norman
PUBLISHER Avi Jacob
TREASURER
Trent Erickson COPY EDITOR Fadila Chater STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Daniel Wesser
PUBLISHING BOARD Laura Hardy Mikylah Gillis Isabel Ruitenbeek Zoë Brimacombe TBD for remaining
LAYOUT Kristen Thompson Nick Frew
We welcome your feedback on each issue. Letters to the editors should be signed. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. The Watch is owned and operated by the students of the University of King’s College.
But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people not be warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at watchman’s hand. — Ezekiel 33:6
2 The Watch | December 2017 | @kingswatch
the watch IN THIS ISSUE
‘christmas’ to Nick
page 4
explaining your degree to loved ones
page 6
gluten-free recipes
page 8-12
holiday decorations
page 14-19
gifts on a budget
page 20-21
halifax winter activities
page 22
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‘Christmas’ to Saint Nick Nick Frew
To paraphrase singer Andy Williams, we are toughest months of my life and the way I coped approaching “the most wonderful time of the year.” was to carry headphones in my pocket at work. I was doing landscaping for the summer – cutting To me, those words ring true. grass mostly – and in case it ended up being a bad day, I could plug in my headphones and listen to It’s the time of year that I get to enjoy the Christmas music. decorations, warmth, love and yearly traditions. I didn’t play carols because I wanted to think of For me, my traditions are pretty simple. One: I Christmas, but because Christmas has always make sure I watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” been a happy time for me, so it helped a seriously when it comes on TV. Two: making sure I see depressed 18-year-old feel happy for a while. “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Christmas Eve — it’s a relatively recent tradition, believe it or not. Last So while I love the gifts, music, turkey, treats and year, I treated my family to a showing at our town’s TV specials, Christmas makes me happy – and movie theatre as an early Christmas gift. And three: happiness is all I really want.|w my family’s extension of Christmas morning. When we wake up my parents, younger sister, dog and I will hangout on my parents’ bed and go through everyone’s stocking (yes, my dog has a stocking too). From there, we’ll head downstairs to the living room and open presents. But, instead of finding what’s yours underneath the tree and opening it, my dad, who sits next to the tree in his bathrobe, hands out a present to someone and we watch them open it. Then on to the next one. It’s something my father’s father did and something I’ll pass on too. It just makes Christmas morning last a couple of hours longer and you get to be with family that much longer. There’s deeper reason to my love for Christmas though: it kind of saved my life. Two summers ago, I was going through the 4 The Watch | December 2017 | @kingswatch
Merry FYP-mas Kristen Thompson
Alternative titles: Happy Hanu-FYP, Joyous KwanzFYP, Happy holi-king’s, etc.
And now here you are, 3 years into a degree and you’re thinking, “what the fuck have I gotten myself into?”
Alright friends, it’s that time of year again.
The best answer I’ve found to give to my parents when these questions come up is to politely excuse yourself from the dinner table and to hide in your room for three days.
After the stress that went into completing exams, working 14 part-time jobs, and somehow managing to make it through the month of November with only $40 in your bank account, you now get to go home and spend the next few weeks justifying all your mistakes to your family. That’s right, the wonderful time of year where you get together with distant relatives and try to explain what you’re doing with your life. All the while trying to hide a hickey that just won’t go away. You know what I mean, attempting to drill it into their minds that you actually don’t go to Dal, but you kind of do, or that it’s totally acceptable to eat pizza every day for lunch, or trying to explain what FYP is. Don’t worry FYP-sters, it’s not as bad as you would think. They will make you question everything that you’ve done in the last three months, but at least you’ll get a home-cooked meal and you’ll be able to see your beloved family pet. For me, seeing my dog Winston always made it more than worth it. Then once you finally manage to semi-explain that FYP is the interdisciplinary study of Western ideas and philosophies ranging from the ancient world to modern day, there comes my all-time favourite question, “so what do you plan to do with that?” For those of you who are out of FYP, you know damn well that you have no fucking idea. FYP is like taking a gap year but instead of traveling and seeing the world, you get to read philosophy and attempt to write papers three hours before they’re due. 6 The Watch | December 2017 | @kingswatch
This will give you ample time to finally watch “Stranger Things.” You may also notice that the topic of conversation will change between you and your family. When talking about everyday things, you’ll now feel the need to let your father know that hell can’t “freeze over” because it’s already frozen. The trick here is to remember that there’s a very high possibility that your parents never took FYP, and are therefore not fully able to appreciate your passion for Dante or Plato, and that’s just something you’re going to have to deal with. But never fear past, present and future FYP students, your time at home is limited and then you are able to re-join the world of enormous student debt, overly loud and annoying roommates and infinite amounts of grilled cheese in no time. Until then, I suggest you sit back, relax and enjoy the fact that you have time to watch television or read for pleasure. Though you should probably catch up on your readings, and maybe try to read ahead. Who am I kidding? We all know you won’t do that. Let’s hope in this season of giving that some of our profs choose to give us some A’s, or really, even a B+, we’re not picky. |w
Gluten-free Goodies Maya Watson Gingerbread Muffins
INGRDIENTS
Full disclosure – I attempted to bake my grandmother’s Welsh Cakes for this section but could not manage to make them gluten free. They began to melt, resembling the sad remains of many childhood snowmen. Luckily, these gingerbread muffins were easily and deliciously adapted to be gluten free without any issues! They taste like a classic Christmas gingerbread house has been inflated into a light (and healthy) cake. I recommend these scrumptious muffins with a dab of butter or molasses!
1 1/2 cups GF flour (I used Cuisine Soleil) 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted and cooled to warm 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1/4 cup molasses 1 egg, at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/3 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (any milk will work)
Holiday Fact: Although ginger bread has been around since 2400 BC and in the 10th century Chinese recipes were also developed, gingerbread only became associated with Christmas in 16th century Germany. Recipe adapted from Ambitious Kitchen.
INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a muffin tin with muffin liners; spray the inside of the liners with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the muffins do not stick. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt. Set aside. In a separate bowl, add coconut oil, maple syrup, molasses, egg, yogurt and almond milk. Whisk together until smooth and well combined. Add dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour batter into liners, filling about 1/2 of the way full. The mixture will look too liquid but do not add additional flour. Bake muffins for 18-22 minutes until a tester comes out clean. Enjoy!
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Latkes with Pomegranate Yogurt
INGREDIENTS
These latkes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside while the pomegranate yogurt cuts through the grease with an unexpected tartness. I ate about seven, piping hot from the oven.
4 russet potatoes 1 medium yellow onion, peeled 2 large eggs 2 scant teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon paprika 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 tablespoons GF flour Enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom of your baking sheet by about 5 mm. Equipment: 2 heavy non-stick rimmed baking sheets
Holiday Fact: When the ancient Jewish people were being oppressed and Judaism was being outlawed by Antiochus IV, he was opposed by Mattathias the Hasmonean and his son Judah Maccabee. In 165 BC, the Jewish revolt succeeded to rededicate their temple. However, although they needed oil to light the menorah for eight days, they only had enough oil for one day. Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days. Latkes honour this miracle of religious freedom with oil they are fried in. Recipe Adapted from Once Upon a Chef:
INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 425 F. Peel the potatoes, then coarsely grate them with the onion. Place potato mixture in a sieve and press down firmly with paper towel to remove excess moisture. Drain the water from the bowl but keep the starchy substance at the bottom. Stir potatoes in this starchy substance. Mix in eggs, salt, baking powder and flour. Fill two heavy non-stick rimmed baking sheets with oil. Place pans in oven for 10 minutes to heat the oil. Carefully remove pans from oven. Drop batter by the 1/4-cupful onto baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart. Using the bottom of the measuring cup or a spoon, press down on pancakes to flatten. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bottoms are crisp and golden. Carefully remove pans from oven and flip latkes. Place pans back in oven and cook until latkes are crisp and golden brown all over, about 10 minutes more. Remove pans from oven and transfer latkes to large platter lined with paper towels. Eat while hot and enjoy!
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Kelewele (Ghanaian Spicy Fried Plantain)
Recipe from Foods from Africa:
I found this recipe on Foods from Africa a blog written by Emem, a Nigerian-born British home cook and a food blogger. Although I have had plantain many times at home, it wasn’t until I started researching for this spread that I found this spicy plantain dish that can be served as a side for Kwanzaa. This is also a great recipe for a warm, delicious and not unhealthy snack for these cold Halifax nights.
INGREDIENTS:
Holiday Fact:
INSTRUCTIONS:
Kwanzaa was established in 1966 in the midst of the Black Freedom Movement. According to the official website of Kwanzaa, it should “be engaged as an ancient and living cultural tradition which reflects the best of African thought and practice in its reaffirmation of the dignity of the human person in community and culture, the well-being of family and community, the integrity of the environment and our kinship with it, and the rich resource and meaning of a people’s culture.”
Peel and chop plantain. Rub spice mixture into plantain. Fry plantain in EVOO for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. |w
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1 plantain ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon chilli powder ½ teaspoon garlic ground ½ teaspoon ginger ground 1 salt to taste 2 tsp olive oil extra virgin
5 ways to decorate your house for $10 or less Michelle Cuthbert
Around this time of year, I always find my house looks sadder. It’s darker all the time, and artificial lighting makes me feel gloomy. This best antidote for this is, obviously, glitter. The following are five do-it-yourself projects to fill your house, apartment, or dorm with holiday cheer– on a budget. Tea Light Holders These are probably the simplest craft, but turned out to be my favourite. There’s nothing like reading a good book by candle light with a cup of hot chocolate. If you live in a dorm or apartment where you can’t burn candles, the dollar store does packs of electronic ones for around $2. They give off the same vibe, and you can barely tell the difference through the glitter. You’ll need: • Glitter ($1.25 at Dollarama) • White glue ($1.25 for a pack of 3 tubes at Dollarama) • Glass spice bottles ($2.50 for a pack of 3 at Dollarama) • Tealights ($1.25 for a pack of 12 at Dollarama) • Foam paint brushes ($1.25 for a pack of 5 at Dollarama) TOTAL: $7.50 Create: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Paint the inside of your spice bottle with white glue. Sprinkle in glitter. Shake. Insert tea light. Enjoy!
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Pom Pom Wreath This wreath is a cute way to decorate your door for cheap! It’s easier and more allergy-friendly than a real pine wreath, and soft enough to cuddle. You can hang it on your door with a Command Hook, and you might even get your damage deposit back. You’ll need: • 4 different colours of yarn (I bought two kinds that were $1.25 at Dollarama, and the other two kinds were $3.00, also from Dollarama.) • Wire hanger (You probably have one of these lying around your house so $0 I guess?) • Scissors TOTAL: $8.50 Create: 1. Bend your hanger into a circle shape. 2. Wrap yarn around your palm approximately 25 times, cut from yarn ball. 3. Cut a 2.5 inch section of the same colour of yarn. 4. Slide the yarn off your palm, keeping the yarn looped as neatly as possible. 5. Tie loops in the middle with 2.5 inch section. 6. Cut the looped ends. 7. Fluff up your pom pom. 8. Tie onto wire hanger. 9. Repeat steps 2-8 until hanger is completely covered.
Paper Snowflake Garland Paper snowflakes are a classic craft for the holiday season. I am so good at paper snowflakes that I am considering putting it on my resume. Not sure how this qualifies as a marketable skill, but it shows that I’m a well-rounded person. This one is a little complicated to write out, so hold onto your horses kiddos, and see the photo for references. You’ll need: • Printer paper ($7.49 for a 20lbs pack at Staples.) • Ribbon ($1.25 for 9.8 feet at Dollarama.) • Scissors TOTAL: $8.74 Create: 1. Lay your paper down landscape. Take the bottom left corner and fold it up so it meets the top edge of your paper. Crease your fold. You should end up with a triangle with a little rectangular lip at the side. 2. Cut off the extra rectangle from the side, so your paper is a perfect triangle. 3. Fold that triangle in half, so you have an even smaller triangle. At this point your triangle should be pointing directly towards you with the open fold along the top side. 4. Fold the right side of your triangle in one third of the way. Fold the other side in so it overlaps completely. Your paper should be in an arrow shape with two points at the top. 5. Flip your triangle over. There should be a fold running horizontally along the top of your arrow. Cut the top of your arrow off diagonally from this fold. 6. Now it’s time to get creative. You can cut off the bottom point, cut shapes in to the sides, and shape the top. Make sure you don’t cut through any folds. You don’t want to get rid of a layer of your snowflake. 7. Unfold to see your masterpiece. 8. This step is optional, but I tied my snowflakes onto a ribbon to make a fun garland.
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Festive Bunting
Glittery branch centrepiece
I love bunting for all occasions. We have bunting in almost every room in my house, solely because I think it’s cheerful as fuck. The bells on this are optional, but they make it a lot more festive.
If I’m being honest, this one turned out way better than I thought it would. I’ve seen these glittery branches at the craft store before and I think mine are way cuter. If you want a rustic vibe and don’t feel like spending $10 for some sticks at Michael’s, this is the DIY for you. Again, the bells are optional, but I think they’re pretty.
You’ll need: • Metallic tissue paper ($1.25 for a pack at Dollarama– I used two colours.) • Ribbon ($1.25 for 9.8 feet at Dollarama.) • Scotch tape ($2.49 at Canadian Tire.) • Silver bell ornaments ($1.25 for a pack of three at Dollarama– I used three packs.) • Scissors TOTAL: $7.49 Create: 1. Cut triangles out of tissue paper. Mine were 13cm on the longs sides and 6.5cm on the short side. I left a 2cm rectangle lip along the 6.5cm side. 2. Lay out your ribbon and line up bells and paper triangles evenly. I had my bells roughly every foot, and in between the bells I used three paper triangles. 3. Tie your bells on in your desired placement, starting with your middle bell and working your way out on each side. 4. Fold the rectangle lip of each of your paper triangles over the top of the ribbon and tape onto the back of the triangle. 5. Hang on your wall and enjoy!
You’ll need: • A vase ($2.50 at Dollarama.) • Epsom salts ($1.25 for a pack at Dollarama, I used about 1.5 packages.) • Silver bell ornaments ($1.25 for a pack of three at Dollarama– I used one pack.) • Glitter ($1.25 at Dollarama.) • White glue ($1.25 for a pack of 3 tubes at Dollarama.) • Foam paint brushes ($1.25 for a pack of 5 at Dollarama.) • Branches (I went outside and picked some up so $0.) TOTAL: $10 Create: 1. Fill your vase up with Epsom salts. I recommend doing this step first because you’ll have somewhere for your branches to stand up while they dry. 2. Paint your branches with white glue. 3. Sprinkle branches with glitter. You might want to lay down a newspaper for this, it gets a little messy. 4. Arrange your bells and branches in your vase in a pleasing way.|w
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Holiday gifts on a budget Danielle McCreadie
It’s the end of the first semester and after months of freedom, you are out of money. You are panicking: how in the world are you going to go home for Christmas EMPTY HANDED? Fear not, for we have compiled a list of gifts for Christmas on a budget this year.
For Mom Cookies in a jar Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups flour ¾ teaspoon baking soda ¾ teaspoon salt 1 ½ cups chocolate chips ¾ cup packed brown sugar ½ cup granulated sugar Large mason jar Ribbons etc. (optional) Directions: Combine baking soda, salt and flour in a small bowl. Place mixture in jar. Layer remaining ingredients in order they are listed above. Press firmly after each layer. Seal with lid. Make sure to attach the baking instructions! PREHEAT oven to 375° F. Beat 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) softened butter or margarine, 1 large egg and 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until blended. Add cookie mix; mix well, breaking up any clumps. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Makes about 2 dozen cookies. A handwritten poem or piece of art 20 The Watch | December 2017 | @kingswatch
All you need is paper, art supplies, and some creativity. Put it in a frame so she can remember you when you’re away! A homemade bath bomb There are tons of DIYs online, so get searching! You should be able to find all the ingredients in your house: all you need is baking soda, Epsom salts, citric acid, corn starch and an essential oil of your choice.
For Dad Monty Python mug If your dad is anything like mine (AKA a huge nerd), then definitely get him this nostalgic mug. Available at the King’s Co-op Bookstore, which means you can use your points! If you have some extra $$ you can even buy some tea or coffee to go with it. Socks Because for some reason dads always have holes in theirs. Book of puzzles Sudoku, crosswords, word finds, these puzzle books are usually cheap (if you’re in a rush you can snag one at the airport) and definitely something your dad will appreciate during those long poops.
For your siblings
For your roommate (or new BFF)
A cool personalized Christmas ornament
A cute notebook
Something great for all ages. Step 1: buy some plastic balls at the dollar store (pictured below). Step 2: get creative! You can use paint, glitter, markers, or even fill it with something. Glue a string or wire on the top and you’re ready to go!
Grab one from the King’s Co-op Bookstore for $8-$13
A jar of candy Everything looks fancier in a glass jar, and what’s a better gift than a sugar high? Fidget cube or spinner
Fairy lights This one benefits both of you! Hang them up in your room for a festive vibe you can keep up all year long. Get them at Canadian Tire for less than $10. A set of nice shot glasses For just one because remember, you’re broke! You can get this set at the King’s Co-op Bookstore for $19 (before tax), or for cheap at any gift shop. |w
So they can stop annoying you already! You can order one on amazon for less than $5.
For that guy or gal you just started seeing A personalized playlist Go ahead and show your crush how much you like them the retro way: through a mixtape. Make it on Spotify or iTunes and send them the link on Christmas Day. You can make it as mushy or as goofy as you’d like. I did this for my crush in first year and we still listen to it! A puzzle That you can solve together on the next campus-wide snow day. A nice scarf or beanie So you know they will always be warm!
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5 things to do in Halifax this winter Heather Norman
Skating at the Oval Free The Emera Oval opens for its first skate on Saturday, Dec. 16. It’s open seven days a week all winter. The oval, three times the size of an NHL hockey rink, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise while you’re at it! Figure and hockey skates are free to rent for all ages (and sizes). Anyone looking for a romantic date should try the evening skate! There’s nothing like skating through the romantic holiday lights at the oval, especially when it’s snowing. Don’t know how to skate? The Oval has you covered. Just show up to one of their free “learn to skate” programs. Halifax Public Gardens Free For the first time ever, Halifax’s favourite spot to enjoy warm summer days will be open for the winter. Enjoy a soothing stroll through the park with a warm drink from one of the many nearby coffee shops or stop by to see the gardens buried under a fresh layer of snow. Avoid the summer crowds and experience the Victorian era gardens like a true Haligonian this winter. Just be sure to keep in mind that although the gates will be open, the public washrooms will not. The gardens will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Tobogganing down Citadel Hill Priceless If you’ve never been sledding down Citadel Hill have you even truly lived? If you’ve lived in Halifax for winters past, you’re bound to have seen someone tobogganing down Citadel Hill. If you’re looking for an adrenaline 22 The Watch | December 2017 | @kingswatch
rush try sledding on the west side of the hill, near the Wanderers Grounds. A steep incline guarantees a fun ride without the risk of careening into traffic. Not in it for the thrill? The hill has plenty of gentler slopes to slide down. Pick up a cheap sled on your way over or borrow from a friend! Point Pleasant Park Free Do you love dogs? What about the smell of crisp ocean air? Or maybe hikes are more your thing? Point Pleasant Park offers all of these and more! Get lost exploring Halifax’s best paths and trails. Take your dog to the off-leash area and let it run wild through the snow. Climb through the ruins of forts past, explore the beach in the snow, or just go to enjoy the crashing waves of the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean. Peggy’s Cove $30-$60 (with food and a rental car) Peggy’s Cove is the quintessential Nova Scotia tourism site. Each summer it fills with tourists and locals alike, eager to see Canada’s most famous lighthouse, explore the beautiful rocky landscape and enjoy fresh, Nova Scotian lobster. This year, beat the crowds and visit in the winter like a true local. After all, everything looks better covered in snow. The Sou’Wester Restaurant and Gift Shop is open year-round, so you can warm yourself up with some hot clam chowder once you’ve enjoyed the sights. If you don’t have transportation, you can rent a car for the day for about $30. |w